Earnings Per Share Expansion
EPS increased to $0.87 in Q1 2026, up $0.40 from the prior quarter, reflecting meaningful sequential earnings improvement.
Strong Loan Growth
Loans held for investment grew by $138.5 million during the quarter, representing 14% annualized growth driven largely by commercial real estate (CRE) and diversified C&I originations.
Robust Deposit Growth and Shift to Core Funding
Total deposits grew by $268.3 million (26% annualized). Non-wholesale deposits increased by $350.2 million offsetting an $81.9 million decline in wholesale deposits; noninterest-bearing deposits rose to ~28% of total deposits (from ~26%).
Improved Profitability Metrics
Net income of $18.6 million, up 6% sequentially; return on average assets at 1.55% (up 5 bps); return on average equity at 16.73% (up 76 bps).
Net Interest Income and Margin Expansion
Net interest income increased to $43.5 million (up 3% year-over-year). Net interest margin expanded to 3.70%, up ~4 basis points sequentially; average cost of total deposits declined 10 basis points to 2.13%.
Very Strong Asset Quality
Nonperforming loans represented only 7 basis points of loans held for investment and nonperforming loans declined by $280,000 during the quarter; conservative underwriting and monitoring highlighted as drivers.
Capital and Shareholder Returns
Company remains well capitalized with all ratios above regulatory thresholds. Paid a $0.25 cash dividend in Q1 and declared an additional $0.25 dividend payable in May 2026.
Operational Efficiency and Income Diversification
Noninterest income rose to $1.6 million from $1.4 million (sequential increase driven by swap referral fees and an FHLB stock dividend). Noninterest expense declined by $263,000 sequentially and the efficiency ratio improved to 38.57% from 40.62%.
Market Expansion and Pipeline Strength
Strategic expansion into Southern California with new hires (four business development officers and two support staff) and teams in Newport Beach, Los Angeles County and Ventura; management expects this to drive additional C&I loans and escrow/noninterest-bearing deposit flows. Management also reiterated a 10%–12% growth target for the year given robust pipelines.
Rate Sensitivity Advantage
Approximately 75% of loans held for investment are adjustable or floating, providing flexibility to respond to interest rate volatility and support net interest income in a changing rate environment.